Charles N'Zogbia - Yes Or No?

24 July 2011 12:10

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Wigan chairman Dave Whelan admits Aston Villa face some serious competition to sign Charles N'Zogbia. But what about Newcastle United? Dave Whelan: "Villa are not the sole bidders, there are another couple of clubs who are desperate to sign him. "It depends how much they can pay up front, because we have got to re-spend that £10million this season just to replace Charles. "I have always said for £10million he is an absolute snip, if Downing can change hands for £20million I don't know what Charles is worth. "He is the fastest, most direct wide player in the Premier League and I have always asked for £10million and hopefully we will get it and he will move on and be happy. "He only has 12 months left on his contract. I would love to keep him, he is a great lad and a fantastic player, but everything being as it is we have to be sensible and if we get a decent offer, and Charles wants to go, as usual I will honour what the player wants and let him go. "The team have gone to Austria, but Zoggy hasn't gone. "He is a great lad to have around the club. If we do lose him, and we may well do, because he has expressed a desire to move on, we will miss him enormously. "But he is a great asset for any football club who wants him." Charles N'Zogbia has reiterated his determination to leave Wigan, but has denied that he has gone on strike in an attempt to force a move. Charles N'Zogbia: "It has been two and a half years. I have given enough. "If they want any more it is for the club to decide. It is not for me to demand a transfer. "Me, strike? Not at all. Come and see me at Wigan, you will see that I train every day. "There was an offer from Villa, which Wigan refused. I have not been offered a contract extension by the club." Newcastle United are NOT expected to re-enter the race to bring Charles N’Zogbia back to St James’ Park . according to the Sunday Sun. The Sunday Sun understands that Newcastle are now looking into other possibilities with a striker very much the priority and Mevlut Erding of Paris St Germain still very much in Alan Pardew’s plans. The temperamental winger was certainly a genuine target for United in the opening weeks of the transfer window but Wigan Athletic’s insistence on a £10million valuation appears to have brought any black-and-white intentions to an abrupt end. And the suggestions from N’Zogbia’s representatives were at one stage that the Frenchman had pinpointed St James’ Park as his dream destination next season. However, despite Latics chairman Dave Whelan claiming there is plenty of competition aside from Aston Villa, we can reveal that N’Zogbia is no longer in the thought process of United chiefs at this stage. Understandably, Newcastle feel they can invest £10million in better ways than buying a player whose contract expires in less than 12 months time and can begin transfer discussions again in January as a soon to be free agent.